Should I use a hard money lenders or 203k loan? Please help!

[Quadeer Porter]

Hi everyone,

So this is my very first deal and I'm literally pulling my hair out.

It is a multifamily in a prime location near mass transit going for 145k. It just dropped on market and I really want to snatch this up ASAP. 

The only thing is that I'm really weary of hard money loans. Can anyone give me any advice on finding a good one or questions I should ask? My market is getting very hot and competitive, so cash deals are king around here. I have a high credit score and don't want to eliminate other ways of raising cash that may be less risky. Please help! In this situation, would you use a hard money lender and refinancing into a conventional after repairs? or is there other means of buying a property such as this? Any advice would help.